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1947 murder victim's brother: 'I can't quit'

By Rick Sobey, rsobey@lowellsun.com

Updated:
05/13/2013 08:13:06 AM EDT

John Flynn, of Maine, recently placed a stone plaque on Carter Avenue in Billerica, where the body of his brother, Eddie, was found in 1947 at age 12. Eddie was murdered, but his killer has never been found. SUN/Rick Sobey

BILLERICA -- John Flynn's brother was raped and murdered at age 12, found in the Carter Avenue woods next to Route 4 and the Concord River.

But now, this cold-case crime scene is a place of celebration.

Flynn, 71, of Sanford, Maine, recently placed a stone plaque memorial in the woods for his brother, Eddie, who was killed in Billerica in 1947. Flynn said the site is a way to celebrate Eddie's life, one that ended much too soon.

"We don't think of the idiots who did this when we visit. They didn't win," Flynn said. "Eddie won because he went right to heaven."

Flynn wanted to drive the two hours from Sanford, Maine, on March 19, the anniversary of his brother's death, but honoring his brother had to wait. A March snowstorm was too intense for driving, so Flynn waited a few days after the anniversary to drive to Billerica and recite an original poem at the memorial.

"It's sad because you would obviously rather see his accomplishments than staring at a plaque," Flynn said. "But we try to transfer the evils of that day into a positive. It's like saying hello to him when I read my poem. It feels good."

On the memorial, Flynn engraved his poem, "Ode to Eddie." A line reads, "Yet in this veil of dread, one need only look deep and see the bright spirit of that passing star. He was hardly here yet we tasted his vibrant rays of light shining through like the sun in all its brilliance!"

66 years later, still determined

After 66 years, Flynn still continues to pursue the case, keeping hope alive that he'll one day find out the monster or monsters who murdered Eddie.

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On March 19, 1947, Eddie left his Burlington home on a bus bound for Medford to rehearse with the St. Joseph's Catholic Youth Organization band.

But Eddie never made it to rehearsal. His naked body was discovered two days later in Billerica. Police reports indicate that a man hunting crows came across Eddie's body around 10 a.m., in a wooded area about 100 yards from Route 4.

Eddie, who was discovered lying on his back, was wearing just his socks and shoes. Police said his killer carefully draped the boy's leather jacket across his waist, covering his genitals. The medical examiner determined that Eddie was a victim of death by asphyxiation. He was choked to death.

John Flynn was 5 at the time, and hearing his parents' frustration has pushed him to find out who did it.

"I can't quit -- I have to do it for Eddie and for them," Flynn said. "There's no guarantee I'll find out, but at least I'll know in my heart that I turned over every stone. If I didn't, then I'd feel like I let someone down."

Flynn describes the investigation as a "cold-case file with no evidence in it." Flynn said he contacted Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Tom Sullivan, who told Flynn the cold-case files may have moved at least five different times since 1947 and must have gotten lost.

Brother believes church cover-up

The prime suspect has been Eugene Leroy Leach, a Billerica dairy-farm worker who had a record of rape. He disappeared during the time of Eddie's murder and committed suicide in Tennessee two months later. He left a note in his car saying he had "done things that authorities didn't know about," Flynn said.

But Flynn is not convinced Leach is the murderer. He believes there could be a cover-up in the church.

"I'm not saying necessarily a priest, but someone who either worked there or went there," Flynn said. "It must have been someone who knew Eddie. It's just common sense that something's going on with no evidence. It's not a coincidence."

Flynn wants to get a picture of Leach to show Eddie's old friends, seeing if they know anything about the suspect's connection to Eddie.

Billerica Lt. Roy Frost helped Flynn get permission to use the Carver Avenue site for the memorial. Frost also looked into the case for any additional leads, but the Police Department couldn't get anywhere since it was so long ago.

"It's frustrating that we can't help the guy and bring some closure to the case," Frost said. "This memorial is at least a nice tribute to his brother."

Moving forward, Flynn hopes to set up a musical/arts scholarship in Eddie's name. Eddie played the clarinet in the St. Joseph's CYO state-championship band.

"I'm looking to start one up anywhere," he said. "Other than the memorial, it'd be a great way to recognize him and keep his spirit alive."

If you have information, John Flynn can be reached at 207-324-6784 or by email at johnf561@gmail.com.

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